“This is your rodeo, and I’m going to turn it over to Alex in a moment. But before I do, I wanted to give you some information that I think will be helpful.” Pausing, he surveys the room before he continues.
“I’m sure you know by now how important it is that we catch whoever this leak is. Not just for national security, but for violating what we stand for.” His nostrils flare as anger flashes in his eyes.
“When we find him or her . . . we bring them in and show them what happens when they betray our country,” he growls. Giving me a stiff nod, he sits, fixing his gaze on the wall.
Shit, I really need to talk to him. Something is off. Clearing my throat, I address the room. “All right. Four days from now, Sang-Hyun will be at the Tenpro House that Madame Lin runs. We need to determine how we will gain access to the house. We also need to work out how we’re going to fish out our leak. I’m open to ideas.”
Sam chews his lip for a second. Releasing it, he says, “What if we just show up and have someone incapacitate the guard?”
“So you want to walk in the front door and take out the guard?” Cooper asks.
“That does seem a little risky,” I say.
Sam quirks his lips to the side. “Why do you always doubt me, huh?”
“Good point. They are a doubtful bunch,” Noah quips.
Rolling his eyes, Brighton asks, “Okay, so you’re not suggesting we waltz in the front door. What exactly are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting we lure the guard outside with some sort of distraction.” Shooting a pointed look at Noah, he continues. “Then when he’s outside, we can swipe his keycard. One of us can already be dressed as a guard. That person gets to man the station and control the cameras. Or lack of cameras . . . if you know what I mean,” he says with a smile in his voice.
“The rest of the team can use the card to head up to the penthouse to do what needs to be done and then head back down.” Finishing his rant, he sits back with a smug smile, clearly happy with his plan.
Sipping my coffee, I ask, “And just what would this distraction be?”
Not missing a beat, he replies, “We could always dress Noah up as a prostitute and have him create a ruckus.”
I’d just taken another sip of coffee when Sam spoke. Coffee takes a detour down my windpipe, effectively cutting off my air. Sputtering, I lean forward, hacking desperately, trying to clear the coffee from my lungs. Inhaling deeply through my nose, I sit back.
Sam’s deep laughter echoes around the room. “It’s either that or he solicits the man.”
“Dammit, Sam. Be serious,” I growl.
“I was serious,” he snickers.
Laughter erupts around the room. The Colonel’s rich laughter reaches me, and my eyes immediately snap to his. Giving me a wink, he says, “You know I think that could work. Some men look good in drag. Casa-Noah over there looks like he might be able to pull it off.”
Groaning, I give my head a shake. “Not you too, sir.”
Chuckling, he responds, “Seriously, though, you’ve met the man before and been invited without the theatrics. See if you can secure an invite. If not, then keep this as your backup plan. Use your informants first. That’s always the best plan of attack.”
Peeking at my team, I ask, “Has anyone had contact with their informant recently?”
Cooper nods. “Yeah, mine showed activity a few days ago. I can reach out and see if I can secure an invite.”
“Do you think you can establish contact now?” the Colonel asks.
“I can give it a try, sir,” Cooper responds.
“There’s an empty conference room down the hall,” I say, nodding toward the door. Cooper stands then exits the room.
“If he isn’t able to secure contact, we’re going to need to take the guard out,” Brighton states.
“Yes, it’s better we plan for it now and cover all of our bases,” I muse.
“So, I guess that means I’m the lucky bastard who gets to play security guard?” Brighton declares with amusement in his tone.
“Considering your specialty is cyber security . . . I’d say yes,” Sam replies dryly.
“Security . . .” Noah lets his barb trail off unfinished.
Brighton jabs him in the ribs. Noah’s breath spills from his lungs, gushing out all at once.
“Not so funny now, is it?” Brighton asks in his thick English accent.
Glaring in Brighton’s direction, Noah sticks his tongue out.
Rolling my eyes, I say, “All right, enough, you two. Yes, Brighton, you’re the expert in the cyber technology field. That makes you our resident go-to man. Therefore, you’ll play security guard since you are the man that can circumvent the high-end security system. Even if we do get an invite, I expect you’ll be able to hack into the system and exploit its weaknesses.”
Brighton nods.
“Good. Sam, I want you and Noah on recon tonight at the Tenpro House. I want to see who’s coming and going at all times.”
Creaking behind my shoulder alerts us to Cooper’s arrival. The line between Cooper’s brows creases into an angry line. With jerky movements, he tosses himself back into the chair, plopping down furiously. Unclenching his jaw minutely, he speaks through gritted teeth. “I have three contacts. The first two shut me down pretty quick. Apparently, this is a pretty exclusive party. My third contact wasn’t available, so I’m waiting to hear back.”
My heart plunges into the depths of my stomach. Fuck, why couldn’t this be easy? Nothing ever is. This entire situation is a shit storm waiting to blow into port. Reaching up, I rub the stubble growing on my chin and I ask the question on my mind. “What exactly are we planning on doing when we storm the castle?” Five sets of eyes zoom in on me with laser focus.
“What do you mean?” The Colonel questions.
“We need a plan. We can’t go into a place like that and expect to beat answers out of him. It’s locked down tighter than Fort Knox. We’ve all been there so we know the layout. He’ll be surrounded at all times. He won’t be involved with the girls. He likes to watch from the corner,” I say.
“Taking them by surprise is starting to sound like the better option,” Sam contemplates.
“Act like you were invited,” the Colonel states. Every eye in the room turns in his direction.
“What do you mean, sir?” Brighton queries.
“Exactly what I said, son. Act like you were invited. Sang-Hyun is already suspicious. He will already suspect you. So, when he asks who invited you, throw our informant Chee under the bus. Pretend you’re there to party. Alex can corner Sang-Hyun and subtly question him. Get as much information as possible out of him. When he goes to leave, follow him. Slip him something in his drink and we can bring him back to the warehouse and find out where Kylee is.”
“Sir, with all due respect, we can’t slip him something in his drink. He’s going to be in a public place. We aren’t trying to date rape the guy. And we’re professionals. Besides, I’d rather just kick his ass, or knock him the fuck out and drag him back here,” Sam replies.
“I don’t care how the hell you do it. Just get him back here!” the Colonel growls.
“Yes, sir,” Sam answers.
Tension is thick, cascading through the air in waves. Blowing out a breath, I say, “Maybe we can lure him with some kind of information?”
“It’s a possibility. Let me look into it. I might have something you can use.” The Colonel’s eyes become unfocused as he ponders my suggestion.
My stomach tenses, little knots forming as I prepare myself to broach the next subject. Squaring my shoulders, I inhale once, glancing around the room before saying, “Now about the leak . . .” The Colonel’s gaze snaps in my direction with breakneck speed.
Deep cerulean blue eyes darken with some unfathomable emotion. In a gruff voice, the Colonel states, “I believe I know how we can flush out the leak. Or at least dangle some bait in front of him.”
“How do you propose we do that, s
ir?” Cooper asks the question that was riding the tip of my tongue.
A predatory gleam lights the Colonel’s eyes as the corner of his mouth quirks in a semblance of a smile. “Do you boys have access to a tux?”
Confusion is evident on each of our faces as we turn to look at each other.
“A-A tux, sir?” I inquire.
“You heard me. A tux. We’re going to a party.” The Colonel’s fiercely savage smile stretches across his face. Holding my breath for a moment, I pause, taking in the brutal gleam in the Colonel’s eyes. He’s out for blood, and he’ll stop at nothing until he finds what he’s looking for. Well, that makes two of us, and thank God he’s on my side. This is one man’s shit list I do not want to be on.
“Where is this party exactly, sir?” Noah asks.
The Colonel’s feral smile grows wider. Tingling begins in my scalp as I drink in the Colonel’s appearance, the hair on the nape of my neck standing on end.
“Dust off those tuxes boys ’cause you’re going to accompany me to Monte Carlo Night. We’re gonna pay a visit to my old friend, the General.” Colonel Parker’s satisfied gleam reaches each one of us as we sit in stunned silence.
Finally finding my voice, I stammer, “T-The General, sir?”
“The one and only, General Elliot Nolan.”
“And what do we expect to find at Monte Carlo Night, sir?” Brighton asks.
“A rat,” the Colonel snarls.
Cooper hesitates, his brow creasing before he asks, “And if we don’t find a rat, sir?”
“That’s the thing about rodents, son. They always leave a trail.”
Swallowing back the nausea fighting its way up my esophagus, I try to gain control of my turbulent emotions. Conversation carries on around me, but it all sounds so distant, I’m unable to focus, and my mind is a tumultuous mess. Shit has clearly hit the fan. Fuck, we’re invading the General’s private party on base to try and flush out a mole. The galloping of my heart hammers painfully in my chest. The overwhelming urge to rub the phantom ache strikes me with the strength of a wrecking ball, nearly destroying my will. Clenching my hands into fists, I place them in my lap. As I drift in and out of my thoughts, one stands out above the others. A sensation advising me of what the future may hold. Something tells me it’s more of a premonition than anything. One that’s meant to keep me on my toes.
Yet, somehow I have a feeling I’m going to find out sooner rather than later what it all means . . . and I’m not so sure I’m going to like it. Shit has already hit the fan and now it seems as if it’s turned into FUCKED UP BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION. Absolutely, FUBAR. And there is nothing I can do to stop it.
TWINGES OF PAIN INVADE MY abdomen, tiny shocks constricting, grasping my insides like a snake coiling around its prey. Low, guttural moans pass my lips as I wrap my arms securely around my midsection, as if the action itself could somehow magically stop the pain. Potent ripples of sickness surge through the core of my belly, rising into my throat. Gagging, I bite back the acrid taste as I roll onto the floor. Darkness surrounds me, taking my sight.
Daybreak crests the horizon as minuscule fragments of light shimmer in the distance. Only the barest hint of light shows on the walls. Crawling, my body inches forward at a snail’s pace, each move more agonizing than the last. Shuffling forward on my hands and knees, another spasm hits, halting me in my tracks. Panting, I breathe through my nose to fight the urge to spew the contents of my stomach all over the floor. My chest heaves, rising and falling with each breath.
I want nothing more than to lie down, to curl myself into a little ball. Another surge of nausea works its way into my esophagus just as I reach my destination. Huddled in the cramped corner, my body slumps over the tiny bucket. Despite my best efforts to remain quiet, loud choking noises burst forth with every retch. I have to fight back the urge to sob uncontrollably as I heave in the corner. Bitter liquid rises from my stomach, passing through the tight confines of my throat, hitting the tiny buds of my tongue.
Shuddering, I hunch forward, gagging as the vile liquid is expelled from my body into the foul-smelling bucket. My back curves, pulling against the stitches in my side. Hot, wet tears torment my bloodshot eyes, nipping and stinging as they make their way past my melded lashes. I startle, jumping back faintly when diminutive hands move my hair, etching soothing patterns into the curvature of my neck. As the retching gradually subsides, I slowly sit back on my haunches. Nari leans in, angling my face into a patch of light.
“Kylee, are you all right?” she asks, concern lacing her voice.
Unable to speak for fear of vomiting again, I give a small nod. Her brow furrows as she scrutinizes my face. Placing her hand on my forehead, she lets out a relieved sigh.
“Thank the Lord. I was afraid you’d have a fever. Come, let’s get you to the bed. I want to check your bandages. Make sure infection hasn’t set in. We need to get some water into you. I’m sure you’d like to rinse out your mouth as well.” She grimaces as the last words leave her mouth.
“Can you stand?”
“I-I think so,” I croak. It hurts to speak, the sound irritating my raw throat. With shaky fingers, I try to push myself up to standing. Wobbly legs greet me and almost send me tumbling down to the unyielding floor. At the last possible moment, Nari’s arms clutch my biceps, locking me into place and dragging me to her chest.
Whimpering, I close my eyes as waves of dizziness threaten to eclipse me and send me spiraling into the abyss. Inhaling a few deep breaths through my nose, the dizziness calms. Slowly, I open my eyes. Stumbling back a step, I meet Nari’s watchful gaze. Still cautiously clutching my arm, she unhurriedly guides me to the mattress in the middle of the room. Bright light now streams in through the tiny window, illuminating the small area. The light allows me to see Hye, Are, and Key hovering closely behind us, shuffling along like three mother hens.
Mother hens . . . They’re protective, watchful, and they take care of their own like they’re supposed to do. Tumultuous thoughts stroll through my mind, playing on a continuous reel. I’m not sure what to think. Or what to do, for that matter. She loves me. She hates me.
I’m just so damn confused. My emotions are at war with each other, banging around in my head. Warmth on my cheek clears my muddled thoughts, bringing me back to the present. Nari tilts my chin up. She searches my face for a moment before she probes, “Kylee, are you sure that you’re all right?”
Guilt assails me, tearing me to shreds. How do I tell her that I’m feeling a little better and that I just went on a mental vacation for a few moments? That I have momma issues I need to work out in my head? Yeah, because that’s going to go over well.
Swallowing, I nod once and reply, “Yes, I’m all right.” My voice cracks. The throbbing in my throat worsens each time I speak, the dry, cracked tissue making me sound raspy and old.
Releasing me, she points to the bed. “Go on. Get situated. The girls will help you. I’m going to get the water from the basket in the corner and then I’ll check your bandages.”
Unwilling to do any more damage to my already dry throat, I nod and do as I’m told. Little aches and pains make themselves known throughout my body. Grimacing, I clutch the mattress, bracing myself as my stiff muscles groan in protest.
“Here, drink this.” Nari passes me an open bottle of water.
“Thank you,” I murmer, raising the bottle to my lips. The bottle shakes, slipping from my hand, then plummets to the mattress.
“Here, let me help you.” Are’s gentle smile sweeps through me, instantly putting me at ease. Nodding, I relax slightly, allowing her to give me small sips of water. The cool liquid soothes the fire raging within the confines of my parched throat. Water has never tasted so good. Glorious water.
Closing my eyes, I take a long pull from the bottle. An involuntary moan bubbles up, pushing past my lips. Pink suffuses my cheeks, embarrassment grabbing ahold of me. Laughter erupts around me, propelling my eyes open. Areum, Nari, Kyung, and Hye all observe me,
amusement bright in their dark eyes.
“Do not be embarrassed, Kylee. We have all felt that way about water at some point.” Key chuckles.
“Please, call me Kai,” I say, weariness settling deep in my bones. Yawning, I glance around the room, holding the other women’s gazes briefly.
“I’m sorry I woke you,” I whisper. My voice is barely audible to my own ears.
“There is no need for you to apologize. It’s only natural. Your body is clearly stressed,” Are replies.
Tears swell, threatening to spill over the brim. My uncontrollable emotions threaten to wreak havoc yet again. Biting the inside of my cheek to hold the tears at bay, I nod then give a little cough. Nari kneels, placing warm fingers along the edges of the bandages. Sucking in a sharp breath, I clench my fists, waiting for the fiery pain to rip me to shreds.
“Breathe, Kai. I’m only going to look around the edges. I just want to ensure you’re not getting an infection.”
Wincing, my abdomen contracts, tiny tremors darting through the muscle, igniting my blood as skilled hands deftly maneuver the lingerie. The lacerations weren’t deep enough to puncture my vital organs, only enough to cause immense suffering. I often pray for the darkness that I once feared to come and take away the pain and suffering. That moment in time where I can succumb to the blessed numbness leaving this wretched place behind. It’s the only place I can see him. He’s always there waiting for me.
Flexing my fingers, my back arches as the edges of the adhesive are leisurely lifted from my side. Are scoots closer to me, linking her fingers through one of my hands. Gritting my teeth, I force myself to inhale slowly in and out several times as deeply as I can. Nari grimaces as the bandage adheres to my skin, causing her to pull harder. It feels as if a Samurai has run me through with his sword. Stabbing pain radiates from my right side as if all of the blood in my veins has been replaced with sharp pointy needles.
Squeezing Are’s palm, my back arches up off the mattress. Key immediately takes up the position by my head, stroking my hair, while Hye holds my legs, rubbing my ankles. Are smiles, her thumb stroking the back of my hand. “Kai, tell me something about you. Something that makes you happy.”
Bound By Blood: (The Betrayed Series Book 2) Page 11